"She Laughed as if We Would Never Die" Pendant

Artist: Kathryn Tubbs
Inspiration: Michaela Hernandez 

Kathryn's Artist Statement: 
My artwork creates beauty from what is often considered grotesque. I depict human disease, injuries, scars, and the body’s interior and microscopic matter. The images are abstractions created from source material of medical science. (X-Rays, scans, etc.) My exploration started in graduate school at CSU Long Beach, while my family was caring for a terminally ill child relative with cancer. Visually, the surprising colors of disease made a deep impression—whether from the side effects of chemotherapy or the colors of diagnostic medical imagery. Non-traditional color choices take my images from realism to abstraction and create a way for me to inject positivity into a somber subject matter. I work to generate messages of hope, beauty and positivity in and through trauma. My artwork is a type of souvenir for the viewer—not of geographic travel, but of the journey through disease and injury to recovery.

Working with Michaela Hernandez as my Inspiration for Brushes with Cancer Midwest was an absolute pleasure! She is a joyful personality, and we laughed a lot in our interactions. I wanted to honor her bright light by creating an image that would match her sunny disposition, while also doing justice to the serious health challenges she faced. We jokingly called her painting “side boob,” as the image depicts the internal structure of a breast from the side with the tumor in detail. The title, “She Laughed as if We Would Never Die” speaks to Michaela’s sparkling attitude in facing her cancer and future.

Michaela's Twist on Cancer:
“One day at a time.” Words I’ve lived by since December 20, 2019 - the day I was diagnosed with breast cancer. With endless appointments and doctors sharing new information at every visit, it was easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, fearful, and confused. When I thought about my future, it caused my head to spin with questions and fears. It was too much. I needed to adjust my approach and take each day one at a time. Easier said than done but with practice it became more doable. I practiced mindfulness and learned and appreciated the present moment more than ever. Cancer left its mark on me - literally, I have the scars to show for it - but it also taught me to enjoy today wholeheartedly. Today is a gift and I hold gratitude for each new day I get to live.

Take a look at our beautiful hand crafted circular pedants, which can be made with your very own photo, image or design plus accompanying message card.
Made from stainless steel they are available in both polished steel or polished gold and make an ideal and unique gift.
Photo's capture those special moments so, why not turn your picture or message into a superb gift that will be cherished for ever.

Our pendants make a great gift for yourself or your loved one and, are perfect for anniversaries, Christmas, birthdays and many more special occasions.

Chain Types

Luxury Military Ball Chain Necklace available in 2 sizes 18" or 24" with clasp or with ladies box chain 18" to 24" extendable.

• Made from 316 stainless steel
• Available in polished steel or polished gold
• Military ball chain 18" or 24" or ladies chain 18" to 23" box chain extendable
  
• Image coated with Opti Coat for long lasting protection
• Pendant Size 1.4" (35mm)
• Waterproof